Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a renowned American fast-food chain specializing in New Orleans-style fried chicken. Established in 1972, it quickly grew into a major player in the quick-service restaurant industry, celebrated for its bold, authentic flavors inspired by Louisiana Creole and Cajun culinary traditions. The brand’s commitment to quality and distinct seasoning has cemented its place in the hearts of fried chicken enthusiasts globally.

The year 2019 marked a pivotal moment for Popeyes with the launch of its now-legendary Popeyes Chicken Sandwich. This highly anticipated menu item swiftly went viral, igniting a cultural phenomenon and a “chicken sandwich war” across the nation. It garnered widespread critical acclaim and overwhelmingly positive reviews, cementing its status as a benchmark for fast-food chicken sandwiches.

Popeyes proudly features two core chicken sandwich options: the Classic Chicken Sandwich and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Both versions showcase tender chicken breast fillets, meticulously marinated in a unique blend of Louisiana spices. These fillets are then hand-battered and breaded in a flavorful buttermilk coating, ensuring maximum crispiness and taste. Each succulent piece of chicken is served on a perfectly toasted brioche bun, complemented by crisp, cured barrel (salted) pickles and a generous application of creamy mayonnaise. For those who crave an extra kick, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich substitutes the classic mayo with a fiery, zesty spicy mayonnaise sauce, delivering that signature Popeyes heat.

The primary distinction between Popeyes’ Classic and Spicy Chicken Sandwiches lies in their signature sauces. The Classic Chicken Sandwich features a perfectly fried, seasoned chicken breast, nestled within a toasted brioche bun, accompanied by crisp, salted barrel pickles and a generous slather of rich, creamy mayonnaise. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors, offering a comforting and familiar taste.

In contrast, the Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich kicks things up a notch with its vibrant, fiery spicy mayonnaise sauce. This distinctive orange-hued sauce infuses the sandwich with a bold, peppery heat that perfectly complements the crispy chicken and tangy pickles, appealing to those who enjoy a spicier culinary experience. Both sandwiches are celebrated for their exceptional quality and flavor profile, offering a choice to suit every palate.

Regardless of your preference, both Popeyes chicken sandwiches are incredibly satisfying. For an enhanced flavor adventure, consider dipping either version in Popeyes’ famous Blackened Ranch, one of their highly sought-after signature dipping sauces, which adds another layer of herbaceous, zesty goodness. Replicating the full Popeyes experience at home is easy and incredibly rewarding. Complete your homemade family meal by serving your delicious copycat sandwiches with a side of crispy frozen cajun fries and a refreshing pitcher of homemade Iced Tea. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this beloved fast-food combo without leaving your home!

• Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, we recommend using approximately 2 1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This quantity typically yields about 12 bun-sized fillets, perfect for a family meal or meal prepping. Ensuring the chicken is properly prepared is crucial for the perfect sandwich.
• Unique Marinade: Forget the typical buttermilk brine! Our secret to incredibly juicy and tender chicken lies in a quick-acting brine. This marinade combines Lawry’s seasoned salt, a touch of baking soda, white distilled vinegar, and cold tap water. This powerful mixture acts as a super-fast meat tenderizer, breaking down muscle fibers and infusing the chicken with flavor, ensuring each bite is succulent and moist.
• Wet Batter: This isn’t just any egg wash; it’s a carefully crafted batter designed to create that signature crispy crust. Our wet batter incorporates eggs, a splash of buttermilk, a hint of baking soda for lightness, and a touch of turmeric. The turmeric not only contributes to the beautiful golden hue of the fried chicken but also helps in achieving the authentic appearance of Popeyes’ batter. This viscous mixture ensures the dry breading adheres perfectly.
• Flour Blend: While any all-purpose flour can work, we often use unbleached bread flour for its protein content, which can contribute to a crispier texture. If using self-rising flour or regular all-purpose flour, you may need to slightly adjust the amounts of baking soda and salt in your breading mixture to achieve the ideal balance.
• Corn Starch: This is a game-changer for achieving an extra-crispy, almost delicate crust on your fried chicken. Cornstarch helps reduce gluten formation in the flour, leading to a lighter and more shatteringly crisp exterior. If cornstarch isn’t available, potato starch or tapioca flour are excellent alternatives, or you can use all flour, though the crispness might vary slightly.
• Signature Spice Blend: After extensive trials and comparisons with the original sandwich, we’ve perfected a spice blend that comes incredibly close to Popeyes’ distinct flavor profile. This blend ensures your chicken is not just crispy, but bursting with authentic Louisiana-inspired taste. The specific ratios are detailed in the recipe card below.
• Brioche Buns: The foundation of any great chicken sandwich is the bun. Popeyes uses sweet, buttery brioche buns, which toast beautifully and provide a soft, rich counterpoint to the crispy chicken. You can often find these premium buns in the bakery section of most large grocery stores like Walmart or Aldi.
• Mayonnaise: For the classic Popeyes flavor, the choice of mayonnaise matters. Dukes Mayonnaise is highly recommended as it has a slightly tangier profile compared to other popular brands like Hellmann’s, making it a closer match to the distinctive mayo used by Popeyes. This creamy condiment provides essential moisture and flavor.
• Sour Pickles: These aren’t just any pickles; Popeyes uses robust, sour dill pickles. Look for barrel-cured or refrigerated kosher dill spears, which offer a sharp, briny kick that perfectly cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. Avoid sweet gherkins or bread and butter pickles, as their sweetness will alter the desired flavor balance. Slice them yourself for optimal thickness and crunch.
• Baking Soda (in Breading): In addition to its role in the marinade, baking soda in the dry breading is crucial. It creates a lighter, airier, and more flaky crust, contributing to those delightful “shaggy” bits of fried breading. Without leavening agents like baking soda, the coating can become dense. Remember the culinary rule: always pair baking soda with an acidic ingredient (like the vinegar in the marinade or buttermilk in the wet batter) to neutralize any potential bitterness and activate its leavening properties effectively.

Creating that signature “shaggy” and extra-crispy fried chicken crust, reminiscent of your favorite fast-food joints, involves a few crucial techniques. The key is to properly moisten the chicken before it encounters the dry flour coating. This initial moisture allows the breading to adhere effectively, forming the foundation for crispiness. Furthermore, the method of pressing the coating firmly into the chicken, often associated with famous fried chicken recipes, helps create those desirable craggy surfaces. Another pro tip for achieving exceptional flakiness is to strategically drizzle a small amount of the wet batter directly into your dry flour mixture. This creates small, irregular clumps of flour that will stick to the chicken, resulting in those irresistible, flaky fried bits.

• Preparation for Dredging: Start by combining all your dry breading ingredients in a large, wide bowl. Take a marinated chicken fillet, ensuring it’s still slightly damp from the marinade/wet batter.
• The “Press and Toss” Method: Generously coat the chicken in the dry breading. Then, using firm but gentle pressure, press the breading into the chicken. Don’t just dust it; really embed the flour mixture onto the surface. Toss the chicken, rotate it, and repeat the pressing motion at least two more times. This multi-step pressing ensures maximum breading adhesion and helps build those craggly layers.
• Shake Off Excess: After thoroughly coating and pressing, gently shake off any excess flour. The chicken should now have a visibly crumbly, almost rugged texture, indicating it’s ready for frying.
• Pro-Tip for Flaky Bits: For an even more exaggerated crispy, flaky crust (those coveted “shaggy” pieces), drizzle about 1-2 tablespoons of your wet batter directly into the dry flour breading *before* you start coating the chicken. Use your fingers to gently mix it in, creating small, irregular clumps. These clumps will adhere to the chicken during the dredging process, frying up into incredibly crispy, flavorful shards.

Toasting your brioche buns is a small but critical step that elevates the entire sandwich experience. A properly toasted bun adds a delightful crunch, warmth, and prevents sogginess from the mayonnaise and chicken juices. Here are two effective methods:

• Toasting Buns on the Skillet: For a quick and easy toast, preheat a cast-iron skillet, a non-stick frying pan, or a flat griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place your brioche bun halves cut-side down directly onto the dry surface. Toast for about 20-30 seconds, or until they reach a beautiful golden-brown color and are slightly crisp. Keep a close eye on them as brioche can toast quickly due to its sugar content. This method is ideal for achieving a perfectly charred interior without adding any extra fat. Ensure your buns are unwrapped and ready to go for seamless toasting.
• Toasting Buns in the Oven/Broiler: If you’re toasting a larger batch or prefer an oven method, preheat your oven to broiler setting (or a high toast setting). Place the brioche bun halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Broil for a very short period, typically 30-60 seconds, watching them constantly to prevent burning. The intense heat will quickly caramelize the sugars in the brioche, resulting in a wonderfully golden and aromatic bun.

The pickles on a Popeyes Chicken Sandwich are not an afterthought; they’re a critical component that provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich fried chicken and creamy mayo. Popeyes specifically uses barrel-cured pickles, known for their robust, deeply fermented, and sour flavor profile. When selecting pickles for your homemade sandwich, aim for something similar.

Look for high-quality, sour dill pickles. Refrigerated kosher dill spears or fresh half-sour dill pickles (often found in the refrigerated section of specialty stores or supermarkets like Aldi) are excellent choices. These pickles offer that authentic salty, garlicky, and distinctly sour punch that is essential. It is crucial to steer clear of sweet pickles, such as sweet gherkins or bread and butter varieties. Their sugary flavor will clash with the savory, umami notes of the chicken and completely alter the intended taste experience of the Popeyes sandwich. The goal is a sharp, briny, and refreshing pickle that adds a satisfying crunch and zing to every bite.

When it comes to marinades for fried chicken, buttermilk is often cited as the gold standard. However, allow us to share a chef’s secret that delivers exceptional tenderness and juiciness in a fraction of the time: baking soda. Indeed, a quick glance at the uses listed on a baking soda box might surprise you, revealing its lesser-known but incredibly effective meat-tenderizing properties.

Our quick-meat tenderizer is a game-changer for chicken recipes. By allowing chicken breast fillets to soak in a simple mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and seasoned salt for just 20 minutes, you achieve remarkably superior results. The baking soda gently breaks down the meat fibers, while the vinegar helps to activate it and enhance flavor. This process ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and ready to absorb the subsequent layers of flavor.

Following this quick marinade, the chicken is then dipped into our special buttermilk-based wet batter and finally coated in the seasoned flour. An important note on the marinade: there’s no need to rinse the chicken after the baking soda and vinegar soak. The solution is diluted with water, and the vinegar effectively neutralizes any potential bitterness from the baking soda, ensuring no harsh aftertaste. This method guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen features a diverse menu beyond just sandwiches, offering family meals with items like crispy chicken nuggets, handcrafted tenders, and various bone-in chicken pieces including drumsticks, wings, and thighs. However, for replicating the classic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the preferred choice due to their consistent texture and ease of preparation for a sandwich format.

Achieving the perfect bun-sized fillet is crucial for both even cooking and an authentic sandwich experience. We recommend starting by horizontally slicing each chicken breast in half to create two thinner cutlets. Then, if necessary, gently pound each half to an even thickness of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Finally, slice each pounded half crosswise to create smaller, bun-appropriate chicken cutlets. This meticulous preparation ensures that the chicken cooks thoroughly and quickly without the risk of burning the breading, and fits perfectly within your brioche bun.

While this recipe focuses on chicken breasts, you can certainly experiment with boneless chicken thighs for a slightly richer, more succulent flavor profile if you prefer. However, it’s generally best to avoid bone-in cuts for a sandwich to prevent any unwelcome surprises while eating. Regardless of your chosen cut, always remember to trim any tough white tendons or excess fat to ensure every bite of your homemade Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is tender and enjoyable, free from chewy bits.

For many, the question of “how many calories are in a Popeyes Chicken Sandwich” is a common one. While the original Popeyes Classic Chicken Sandwich clocks in at approximately 699 calories (for the sandwich alone, excluding sides or drinks), the beauty of preparing your own fried chicken at home is the unparalleled control it offers over nutritional content.

When you craft your copycat Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, you have the flexibility to make dietary adjustments. You can choose lighter frying oils, manage portion sizes, or tweak ingredients to align with your personal health goals. For instance, using an air fryer for the chicken (though it won’t be deep-fried) or a lighter mayonnaise can impact the overall calorie count. The exciting news is that our meticulously developed Popeyes Chicken Sandwich recipe comes incredibly close to the original, registering at around 698 calories per serving. This means you can enjoy that authentic, irresistible flavor with comparable nutrition, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into your meal!

This generous recipe yields approximately 12 delicious Popeyes chicken sandwiches, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. If you find yourself with extra sandwiches, proper storage is key to maintaining their quality and preventing sogginess.

After assembling the sandwiches, simply wrap any leftovers individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. A crucial trick to prevent soggy buns and maintain the integrity of your sandwich is two-fold: first, apply the mayonnaise strategically by dolloping it in the center of each bun rather than spreading it to the edges. Second, and perhaps most importantly, thoroughly drain your pickles on paper towels before placing them on the sandwich. This simple step absorbs excess pickle juice, preventing it from saturating the bun and making it soggy.

These homemade sandwiches reheat surprisingly well, making them an excellent option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner the following day.

To Reheat a Whole Sandwich: Place the wrapped leftover chicken sandwich onto a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until thoroughly heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, which can make the chicken tough.

To Reheat Fried Chicken Alone (for Best Crispness): For the crispiest results, especially if you’ve stored the fried chicken separately, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and heat for 7-8 minutes, or until hot and crispy. This method helps to revive the crunch of the breading beautifully.

Popeyes is renowned not just for its fried chicken but also for its exceptional array of dipping sauces that complement their offerings perfectly. These sauces add an extra layer of flavor and customization to any meal. Here’s a look at some of their popular selections:

• Buttermilk Ranch: A classic, creamy, and herbaceous ranch dressing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Blackened Ranch: A Popeyes original, this is a spiced-up version of their buttermilk ranch, infused with a blend of Cajun spices for a more robust and zesty flavor. It’s fantastic with fried chicken.
• Sweet Heat: A tantalizing blend that balances the sweetness of honey with a kick of hot sauce and the tang of vinegar, offering a perfectly sweet and spicy experience.
• Bayou Buffalo: Inspired by Louisiana’s vibrant flavors, this sauce features cayenne hot sauce, rich butter, and a medley of authentic Cajun spices, delivering a zesty and moderately spicy buffalo flavor.
• BoldBQ: A classic, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce that’s versatile and deeply satisfying, offering a smoky-sweet finish.
• Cocktail: A traditional seafood sauce with a zesty tomato base and horseradish kick, perfect for their seafood offerings or to add a different dimension to chicken.
• Mardi Gras Mustard: A unique, sweetened take on traditional Creole mustard, offering a distinctive balance of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes.
• Tartar: A creamy, tangy sauce typically paired with seafood, featuring chopped pickles and herbs for a refreshing taste.

Many of these sauces, especially the Blackened Ranch and Sweet Heat, are fan favorites for pairing with the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, allowing for endless flavor combinations!

Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy fried chicken requires attention to both frying time and internal temperature. The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is safely cooked and deliciously tender is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken meat should register 165°F (74°C).

Given that chicken breasts are boneless and typically thinner than bone-in cuts, they cook relatively quickly. For chicken cutlets that are approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick (as recommended for our sandwich recipe), you can expect to fry them for about 3 minutes per side in oil maintained at 350°F (175°C). However, these times are approximate, and variations in chicken thickness and oil temperature can occur. Always rely on your meat thermometer for the definitive indicator of doneness, ensuring a safe and satisfying meal without overcooking.

While the convenience of grabbing a Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is undeniable, the cost can quickly add up, especially if you’re purchasing it as part of a combo meal or for multiple people. A single sandwich might be around $3.99, but a medium combo, including cajun fries and a soft drink, can easily exceed $8.00. This pricing is for a single serving, which means a family outing can become quite expensive.

Making your own DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich at home offers significant cost savings and is a much more economical option, particularly when feeding a family or batch cooking. For example, a 5-pound package of chicken breasts, which can yield many sandwiches, might cost approximately $8-$10. This single purchase provides substantially more chicken than you’d get from multiple fast-food purchases, making homemade versions a far better value for your money. Beyond the cost, you also gain control over ingredient quality and preparation, adding to the overall value.

Recreating the iconic Popeyes Classic Chicken Sandwich is a rewarding process that follows a specific sequence to ensure maximum flavor and crispiness. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Prepare the Chicken Fillets: Begin by horizontally slicing each chicken breast in half to create thinner cutlets. If needed, gently pound each piece to an even 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness. Then, cut each half crosswise to form bun-sized fillets, aiming for about 12 pieces from 2.5 lbs of chicken. Place these prepared fillets into a large mixing bowl.
2. Marinate for Tenderness: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for your quick chicken marinade (seasoned salt, baking soda, white distilled vinegar, and water). Pour this mixture over the chicken fillets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for precisely 20 minutes to achieve peak tenderness and flavor absorption.
3. Prepare Wet and Dry Mixtures: While the chicken marinates, prepare your wet batter by whisking together eggs, buttermilk, a small amount of flour, baking soda, and turmeric in a medium-sized bowl. In another separate, large bowl, combine all the dry breading ingredients, ensuring they are well mixed. Simultaneously, begin pre-heating your deep-frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a steady 350°F (175°C).
4. Batter and Bread the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, drain it lightly. Take one marinated chicken fillet and dip it thoroughly into the wet egg batter, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, transfer it directly into the dry breading mixture. Generously coat the chicken, pressing the breading firmly into the fillet to create those desirable craggy bits. Shake off any excess flour gently. Repeat this process for each chicken piece, working in batches.
5. Deep-Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully lower 3-4 breaded chicken pieces into the pre-heated oil. Fry for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken.
6. Keep Warm and Crisp: As each batch of fried chicken is ready, remove it from the oil using metal tongs and place it onto a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet. This setup allows air circulation, keeping the chicken crispy. Transfer the sheet pan to a warm oven (around 200°F/95°C) while you continue frying the remaining chicken.
7. Assemble the Perfect Sandwich: Once all chicken is fried, it’s time to assemble your masterpieces. Lightly toast your brioche buns. On the bottom half of each toasted bun, dollop about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (or spicy mayo for the spicy version). Layer two well-drained sour pickles on top of the mayo. Place a crispy fried chicken fillet on the pickles, and then spread a dollop of mayonnaise (or spicy mayo) on the top bun before completing the sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

A truly authentic Popeyes experience isn’t complete without the perfect sides. When you look at the menu of a Popeyes restaurant, you’ll find a range of delicious accompaniments that perfectly complement their famous fried chicken. Here are some of the best side dishes you can serve alongside your homemade Popeyes Chicken Sandwich:

• Cajun Fries: The quintessential Popeyes side. These crispy, seasoned French fries offer a spicy kick that is addictive and pairs flawlessly with the savory sandwich.
• Red Beans and Rice: A classic Louisiana comfort food, rich and savory red beans cooked with spices and served over fluffy white rice provide a hearty and authentic complement.
• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes topped with Popeyes’ signature savory gravy offer a comforting and indulgent side that’s perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
• Coleslaw: A cool, crisp, and tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken, cutting through the fat with its bright flavors.
• Homestyle Mac and Cheese: Cheesy, gooey, and utterly satisfying, a good mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food side dish, providing a rich and creamy addition to your meal.

No matter which you choose, these sides will help you create a complete and satisfying Popeyes-inspired feast right in your own home!

While the Classic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich with its simple combination of mayonnaise and sour pickles is pure perfection, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your homemade version! Adding extra toppings or different sauces can elevate the experience and cater to individual preferences. Here are some delightful variations to try:

• Add Cheese: For an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, place a slice of Deluxe American cheese (or your favorite cheese like cheddar or provolone) directly over the warm fried chicken fillet as soon as it comes out of the oil. The residual heat will melt it beautifully, creating a gooey, savory addition without needing to reheat the entire sandwich.
• Fresh Greens: Introduce a refreshing crunch with finely shredded iceberg lettuce. Its crisp texture and mild flavor provide a welcome contrast to the rich chicken and sauces. Place it on top of the chicken or under it.
• Spice It Up (Beyond Spicy Mayo): If you love heat, there are many ways to enhance your sandwich. While our Spicy Mayo is a fantastic starting point (feel free to season it with additional Creole seasonings for an authentic Louisiana kick), you can also directly drizzle Frank’s Red Hot Sauce onto your chicken. Explore other renowned spicy sauces like Taco Bell’s Creamy Jalapeño Sauce, Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce, or a zesty mustard BBQ sauce similar to the popular Chick-fil-A Sauce for diverse flavor profiles.
• Serve with a Fresh Slaw: Instead of, or in addition to, traditional coleslaw, consider serving a light and vibrant Summer Slaw on the side. This fresh, crunchy salad provides a healthy balance to a hearty fried chicken dinner.
• Max Heat Challenge: For true spice aficionados, go all out! Integrate a slice of fiery Pepper Jack cheese onto the warm chicken, add thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, and drizzle with a potent Sriracha sauce for an intense, unforgettable heat experience.

Experiment with these options to find your perfect custom homemade Popeyes Chicken Sandwich!

Chicken Marinade:

Wet Batter:

Breading:

Chicken Sandwich Assembly:

How To Make Popeyes Chicken Sandwich at Home:

• 

  Slice each chicken breast horizontally in half. Then, if needed, pound each piece with a meat mallet to 1/2″ thickness. Finally, cut each half crosswise to make 4 fillets from each chicken breast (resulting in 12 pieces total for 3 chicken breasts).
• 

  Combine the seasoned salt, baking soda, white distilled vinegar, and cold water in a large bowl. Add the chicken fillets to this marinade and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
• 

  While the chicken marinates, prepare the wet batter by whisking together eggs, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, buttermilk, and turmeric in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate large bowl, combine all the dry breading ingredients thoroughly. Begin pre-heating 4 cups of canola oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
• 

  Drain the chicken from its marinade. Dip each fillet into the wet egg batter, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer it into the dry breading mixture. Coat the chicken thoroughly, pressing the breading firmly onto the surface to create a shaggy, crispy texture. Gently shake off any excess flour.
• 

  Carefully lower 3-4 pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil. Deep-fry for about 3 minutes per side (approximately 5 minutes per batch total) or until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
• To Assemble Sandwiches: Lightly toast your brioche buns. Spread 1 tbsp of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Place 2-3 well-drained sour pickles on top of the mayo, then add a crispy fried chicken fillet. Spread another dollop of mayo on the top bun and complete the sandwich. Serve immediately and savor your homemade Popeyes Chicken Sandwich!

• Perfectly Toasted Buns: For a delightful texture, toast your brioche buns cut-side down on a pre-heated, dry skillet over medium-high heat for 20-30 seconds until golden. Alternatively, you can broil them cut-side up in the oven for a quick toast, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Choosing the Right Pickles: Avoid sweet varieties like bread and butter or gherkin pickles. For the authentic Popeyes tang, seek out sour dill pickles or barrel-cured pickles, which offer a sharp, briny flavor that beautifully complements the rich chicken.
• The Best Mayonnaise: Dukes Mayonnaise is highly recommended for its slightly tart and rich flavor profile, which closely matches the signature mayonnaise used in the original Popeyes Chicken Sandwich.
• Achieving “Shaggy” Crispy Chicken: To get that distinctive craggy, crispy fried chicken crust, use a deep bowl for your dry breading. After dipping in the wet batter, transfer the chicken to the dry mix. “Slap and fold” the breading into the chicken, pressing down firmly. Rotate the chicken and repeat this process at least two more times. Finally, give it a good shake to remove excess flour, aiming for a visibly crumbly, rugged texture before frying. For extra “shaggy” bits, drizzle a small amount of wet batter into your dry flour mix and gently combine to create small clumps before coating the chicken.
• Preventing Soggy Sandwiches: To keep your buns from getting soggy, drain your pickles thoroughly on paper towels before placing them on the sandwich. Also, apply mayonnaise primarily to the center of the bun, avoiding the very edges.

Nutrition per serving